Did you know that I’m a history major?
I not only studied all about Roman, Greek, Japanese,
Chinese, the history of the French Revolution, but I also took countless art
history courses. Except for having to memorize so many dates, I loved it ALL.
Chinese, the history of the French Revolution, but I also took countless art
history courses. Except for having to memorize so many dates, I loved it ALL.
I’m a very visual person, so I guess it’s really not that
big of a surprise that I loved spending 3 hours a week in a dark classroom
looking at paintings and learning about the history behind them.
big of a surprise that I loved spending 3 hours a week in a dark classroom
looking at paintings and learning about the history behind them.
It was just fascinating!
So, to have the chance to combine both my love for art and
quilting, I just couldn’t pass it up!
quilting, I just couldn’t pass it up!
Suzy Quilts’ latest Bohemian Garden quilt pattern does
just that by combining the influence of Henri Matisse’s art with the tactile
goodness of quilting in a modern take of a whimsical garden.
just that by combining the influence of Henri Matisse’s art with the tactile
goodness of quilting in a modern take of a whimsical garden.
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What’s even more appealing is the pattern not only comes
with instructions for 3 different methods (quilting-weight cotton, knit and
whole-cloth knit) to pull this gorgeous design together, but there’s also an
in-depth 3-part video tutorial series to walk you through the entire process.
with instructions for 3 different methods (quilting-weight cotton, knit and
whole-cloth knit) to pull this gorgeous design together, but there’s also an
in-depth 3-part video tutorial series to walk you through the entire process.
Oh, and did I mention there’s inspiration layouts for wall
hangings, pillows and even clothing?! It’s the pattern that keeps on giving 😉
hangings, pillows and even clothing?! It’s the pattern that keeps on giving 😉
This pattern came at a time when I was swamped with secret
sewing (you know ALL about that if you’re on my weekly newsletter), so, sneaking in
another project was probably the last thing I should have taken on.
sewing (you know ALL about that if you’re on my weekly newsletter), so, sneaking in
another project was probably the last thing I should have taken on.
With an impromptu few hours that opened in my schedule, I
got to work.
got to work.
Since I didn’t have a lick of jersey on hand in my fabric
stash, I opted to go the quilting weight cotton route. I love quilting cotton,
but I would have loved to tackle a jersey quilt; and hope to one day!
stash, I opted to go the quilting weight cotton route. I love quilting cotton,
but I would have loved to tackle a jersey quilt; and hope to one day!
But alas, I was strapped for time and couldn’t wait for a
delivery, so cotton would have to do.
delivery, so cotton would have to do.
The best part about this quilt is that it comes together
SUPER quick.
SUPER quick.
So quick, in fact, that I had the entire quilt pieced,
basted and quilted in less than a day.
basted and quilted in less than a day.
Less. Than. A. Day.
That’s a record for me!
Now, don’t let the idea of templates scare you off. I’m
normally not one to fuss with templates, but these fun modern flowers and
leaves are just too cute!
normally not one to fuss with templates, but these fun modern flowers and
leaves are just too cute!
Suzy includes loads of instructions and tips on how best to
attach them, one being to use Pellon 805 Wonder-Under Fusible Web for raw edge
appliqué. That totally would have been my go-to, but, you guessed it, I didn’t
have any of that on hand either.
attach them, one being to use Pellon 805 Wonder-Under Fusible Web for raw edge
appliqué. That totally would have been my go-to, but, you guessed it, I didn’t
have any of that on hand either.
With my Juki only doing a straight stitch, I was concerned
that it would be a frayed mess by the time I was done with it.
that it would be a frayed mess by the time I was done with it.
To avoid that, I opted for needle-turn appliqué.
Here’s where things slowed down for me.
I am hands down the slowest hand stitcher and I’m an even
slower needle-turn appliquéer.
slower needle-turn appliquéer.
Which is why my quilt is currently a work in progress (WIP).
A very pretty WIP, but a WIP none the less.
A very pretty WIP, but a WIP none the less.
It would have been done LONG ago had I gone the raw edge
appliqué route that is recommended in the pattern. And I have since picked up
some Pellon 805 Wonder-Under Fusible Web for the next Bohemian Garden Quilt project I tackle. I’m loving the idea of a wall hanging or pillow to jazz up the
home décor.
appliqué route that is recommended in the pattern. And I have since picked up
some Pellon 805 Wonder-Under Fusible Web for the next Bohemian Garden Quilt project I tackle. I’m loving the idea of a wall hanging or pillow to jazz up the
home décor.
On the plus side, I am loving the look of the needle-turned
appliqué flowers sitting on top of all those yummy quilted straight lines. I
know it will look amazing once said and done, but with the limited hand
stitching I can tackle at once (read more about creative sustainability here), I’m just
focusing on the enjoyment of seeing this pretty design slowly come together.
appliqué flowers sitting on top of all those yummy quilted straight lines. I
know it will look amazing once said and done, but with the limited hand
stitching I can tackle at once (read more about creative sustainability here), I’m just
focusing on the enjoyment of seeing this pretty design slowly come together.
And it will be the perfect summer time project!
MATERIALS USED
Everything I used in my quilt was entirely pulled from my
stash. Love when that happens.
stash. Love when that happens.
Blue Linen Texture from Makower UK
Shell Cotton Couture Solids by Michael Miller Fabrics
Vine Maze from the Luxe Collection by Michael Miller Fabrics
DMC Pearl Cotton Thread Size 8 for hand quilting
Needles for hand quilting
Whether you want to tackle this as a super fast or super
slow-going project, you’re sure to find the perfect approach for you.
slow-going project, you’re sure to find the perfect approach for you.
Get Suzy Quits’ Bohemian Garden quilt pattern and get your summer quilty party started.
Happy quilting!
xo
Shannon
PS I’m linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts for Let’s Bee Social and Finish-it-Up Friday with Crazy Mom Quilts (cause lots of it is done)!
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What a sweet quilt this is going to be!!
Thank you!! I love how different it is from all the other quilts I’ve tackled. It’s good to step out of your routine every once in awhile 😉
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This is going to be such a cute quilt Shannon! I love the colours too. I haven’t done applique since I got my Juki – I have not the patience for needle-turn applique and with the straight stitch only machine, I too am afraid of the mess I would end up with.
It’s such a fun design and so different from what’s out there. Next time I will definitely follow Suzy’s advice and use the Pellon 805 Wonder Under and then just use a straight stitch as close to the edge for raw edge appliqué. It would make for a quicker finish and I wouldn’t mind the added texture of a little fraying 😉